Stepping Up for Syria at George Mason University

On Wednesday, October 2, 2013, the Israel Student Association at George Mason University hosted a fundraiser in support of refugees effected by the conflict in Syria. The event ran from 11:30AM to 3:00PM in the North Plaza on the Fairfax campus. Students were encouraged to donate money to a collection box. There were a spread of papers that were blank and facing down at the start of the fundraiser, and for every $5 that was donated, a paper would be flipped over to reveal a small part of a larger poster that had a message describing refugee and casualty statistics, along with an image of a young Syrian refugee and a quote by Anne Frank. By the end of the event, over $350 had been collected, many of which came in the form of $1-5 donations. The donations go directly to the International Committee of the Red Cross, where it will be used to provide food, health care, shelter, and clothing to refugees.

The aim of the Israel Student Association, in hosting this fundraiser, was to bring the Mason community together for a humanitarian, non-political issue that needs attention. Syrian refugees affect the entire Middle East, as Jordan, and Turkey have all taken economic hits after the influx of refugees. It is in the best interest of Israel to help minimize the effect that these refugees have on other nations, and work to help them recover from the war. A more unstable Middle East, whether it’d be economically or socially, contributes to conflict that has a negative impact on the region.

Members of the ISA, brothers in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and individuals all volunteered during the event. It marked a first time partnership between the ISA and SAE for a humanitarian fundraiser, and the event attracted campus media and photographers. The Israel Student Association would like to thank all that stepped up and donated money, time, and effort for a serious cause that deserves attention.

Another student stands with a sign quoting Anne Frank.

Scene at the Plaza for the event.

About George Mason Hillel

George Mason Hillel is the Center for Jewish Campus Life at George Mason University. Hillel provides a wide range of programs and services from social to religious. In addition, as a Jewish resource center, we have information on trips to Israel, Jewish periodicals, and more.

Our vision is that every Jewish student makes an enduring commitment to Jewish life, and our primary goal is to significantly increase the number of Jewish students who have meaningful Jewish experiences. Hillel’s mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.

Hillel may be reached at (703) 993-3321 or via e-mail at hillel@gmu.edu. Hillel is located in the Johnson Center 239H at Mason’s Fairfax campus.